On their latest release The Seaside EP, Indiana rock band Whale Bones takes much influence from now revived band As Cities Burn and melodic hardcore group Pianos Become The Teeth, with their soft but edgy approach to music. The band began the songwriting process for Seaside by taking a vacation to Florida, while writing lyrics that focus on self-regret and eventual forgiveness, themes that fit with the style of music the band has chosen to release on their new EP.
The EP opens up with “The Current”, a reflective sounding track that sounds emotional and biting, as the band sounds like they are trying to navigate the path of being forgiven for their transgressions, whatever they may be. The song is beautifully arranged, and really lets the audience feel what the narrator is going through, letting the audience escape and letting them really focus on the lyrics and the story that is being told. “I Can’t Live Again” is another demonstrative tune that really expresses the narrator’s pain, and while the group were at risk of sounding a tad repetitive on “The Current”, “Live Again” shows Whale Bones having a slight spring in their step, and even though they are working through their pain with music, “Live Again” shows us that the group can inspire a good head banging at their shows, as their tight playing and passionate musical delivery will certainly get people talking.
Lastly, we have the release’s title track and as we hear more of the same somber, but beautiful tones throughout, we feel like we are listening to As Cities Burn, as their melodic hardcore tunes, always had a beautiful quality to them while getting to the heart of the lyrics. While the song feels organized in its structure, there are pockets throughout the track where it feels like the groups intention was for the song to sound like a jam, and trying to come up with parts right on the spot, as vocals are absent from the cut. Regardless of their ideas for “Seaside” it works extremely well alongside the rest of the EP’s tracks.
While Whale Bones is just getting started, after listening to The Seaside EP, it feels like the band won’t remain in Indiana forever, as their songs have the ability to reach a large group of music fans that will turn into a dedicated following.
